By Jane Higgins. Published by Text Publishing, 2023. (NZD 24). Reviewed by Shar Mathias

The novel Glimpse follows Jonah, a teenager living in the D-Zone, an area severely damaged in the first of many earthquakes and populated largely by paperless immigrants. People in the slum-like D-Zone live on the edge. Jonah can “glimpse” earthquakes before they arrive. A malicious cult moves into the area and a TV show begins to interview glimpsers. Tensions rise as the seventh anniversary of the quakes approaches.

Glimpse was inspired by the author’s experiences of Ōtautahi’s earthquakes. Higgins includes real issues—the difficulties faced by immigrants without citizenship, inequality between the D-Zone and wealthier suburbs, the insidious messaging of a cult, and how large media companies influence their audience — all within a novel that is gripping and well-written for the teens who are its intended readers.

At times it felt like there were too many thematic elements. With a fast-paced plot and lots of drama, the relationships between characters and their backgrounds tended to be more “telling” than “showing”. But there were moments when I was so hooked I kept going to finish a chapter. Glimpse will appeal to young people and discusses some important issues. It could make a great Christmas gift!

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 288 December 2023: 27